SuperSport's Tyson ready to haunt Pirates

SuperSport United will play host to a revitalised Orlando Pirates side at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in a DStv Premiership encounter on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 5:30 pm CAT.

Matsatsantsa's poor start to the current season continued when they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to TS Galaxy away on August 14 and it was their second consecutive defeat in the league.

The Tshwane giants find themselves placed 14th on the DStv Premiership standings with one point from three matches and they will be desperate to secure their first win of the season when they take on Pirates.

SuperSport captain Thulani 'Tyson' Hlatshwayo will be facing Pirates for the first time since he left the club a few months ago and the veteran defender is keen to ensure that they make the most of their home ground advantage.

"You cannot come to my house and want to rule, it is a home ground advantage [for us]. We have the advantage," Hlatshwayo said.

"Even though we are playing a team of that magnitude, we saw how they were in Durban in terms of the support base and everything since the fans are back in the stadiums.

"It is for us to make sure we do the job and follow the instructions [from the coach]."

Meanwhile, Pirates bounced back to winning ways when they defeated Royal AM 1-0 away on Wednesday - a few days after recording their first loss of the DStv Premiership term when they lost to Chippa United on August 14.

It was the Soweto giants' second win of the season and it took them to the fourth spot in the league standings, and a victory over SuperSport will take Bucs to the top of the standings if the other results go their way.

Pirates star Deon Hotto scored the only goal of the match against Royal AM and the speedy player is looking forward to the match in Tshwane where he will be up against his former teammate Hlatshwayo.

“I am very excited when it comes to the goal to have got my first goal. We have been knocking and knocking and they have not been coming," Hotto said.

"But today (Wednesday) it came. It is all about God’s time, you just need to be patient and work hard. Getting a win, we are excited with the three points.

"We are looking forward to the next game."

SuperSport United: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Thulani Hlatshwayo:The SuperSport captain is a leader at the heart of the team's defence and his experience will be vital when they take on Pirates. Hlatshwayo will be eager to marshall the backline to ensure that Matsatsantsa keep a clean sheet against his former club.

Bradley Grobler:The experienced centre forward has been slowly regaining his full competitive match fitness and he has a knack for scoring against Pirates. Grobler has what it takes to single-handedly propel SuperSport to a victory over the Buccaneers.

Orlando Pirates: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Goodman Mosele:The 22-year-old central midfielder produced a Man of the Match performance against Royal AM having dominated the midfield battle. Mosele will be determined to replicate the same form when he faces SuperSport's youthful midfielders.

Deon Hotto:The Namibia international was over the mood after opening his scoring account for the campaign when he hit the back of the net against Royal AM. Hotto will be looking to produce another match-winning performance when he faces Matsatsantsa.

Head-to-Head

LAST 10 LEAGUE RESULTS

Season Result Scorers

2017/18 Pirates 0-0 SuperSport

2017/18 SuperSport 0-0 Pirates

2018/19 Pirates 3-1 SuperSport Pule, Lorch, Motshwari; Khumalo

2018/19 SuperSport 1-0 Pirates Daniels

2019/20 SuperSport 3-0 Pirates Grobler 2, Lungu

2019/20 Pirates 2-1 SuperSport Pule, Lepasa; Fleurs

2020/21 Pirates 2-1 SuperSport Lepasa, Mabasa; Mokoena

2020/21 SuperSport 1-1 Pirates Motshwari (og); Pule

2021/22 Pirates 3-2 SuperSport Hoto 2 (2 pen), Mosele; Johannes, Lungu

2021/22 SuperSport 2-0 Pirates Makaringe (og), Lungu (pen)